Fractions - Fractions on a number line - Planning

In the Year 6 Autumn term lesson on 'Fractions on a number line', pupils are encouraged to deepen their understanding of fractions by learning to count forwards and backwards using them. The lesson includes a range of resources such as worksheets and a presentation to support learning. Key vocabulary such as 'order fractions', 'denominator', and 'number lines' are introduced, with additional support for definitions available online. The lesson begins with a review of previous learning, followed by a starter activity where pupils answer 'fluent in four' questions to get their minds focused on fractions.

The lesson's activities are interactive and collaborative. In the first activity, students practice counting in quarters and eighths with the aid of a counting stick, discussing the changes in the numerator and what happens when the numerator equals the denominator. This exercise is then translated onto a number line to visualise the fractions' positions and to identify any that can be simplified. The second activity involves partnering up to order fractions on a number line, with a focus on understanding equivalent fractions and finding a common denominator. Group work and reasoning tasks further challenge the students to draw their own number lines and identify odd fractions out in a sequence. To consolidate learning, key questions prompt students to reflect on counting in fractions, estimating placements on the number line, and determining the difference between fractions. The lesson aims to address common misconceptions and ensure a solid grasp of equivalent fractions and the concept of one whole as expressed by a fraction. Differentiated activities cater to varying levels of proficiency, from working towards the expected level to achieving greater depth in understanding fractions on a number line.